ICYMI: Millennials Stand to Lose if the Feds Control the Internet

Arlington, Va. – Today, Generation Opportunity Director of Policy Engagement David Barnes published an opinion editorial at Morning Consult praising the Federal Communications Commission and Chairman Ajit Pai for efforts to repeal Obama-era “net neutrality” regulations on the internet. The following are key excerpts from the op-ed:

“It’s common knowledge that young people love the internet. And in case you needed any proof, consider one study that found that individuals born between 1980 and early 2000s are heavy internet users. In fact, users age 25 to 34 years old had the highest monthly average of internet usage amongst all groups last year. This is happening because the internet is how we connect with friends, consume news and watch our favorite television shows and movies.

“Unfortunately, this online freedom is coming under attack by some who are convinced that what the internet needs is more government regulation.

“Under the guise of “fairness,” proponents of increased federal control over the internet found support from the previous administration. With former President Barack Obama’s blessing, the Federal Communications Commission approved a plan in 2015 to reclassify internet service providers as utilities under a law dating back to the 1930s. By reclassifying ISPs as a utility, the internet is now subject to a vast and complicated regime of rules and regulations that limit consumer choice.

“…Thankfully, the new chairman of the FCC agrees. Since assuming leadership of the commission earlier this year, Ajit Pai has been working to roll back the stifling Obama-era rules to return the power of the internet back to consumers and the public.

“As the policy director of Generation Opportunity, an organization of millennials who believe in individual liberty and entrepreneurship, we are strong proponents of the idea that a free market telecommunications policy is the best approach when it comes to regulating the internet.

“Younger consumers want a better, faster, cheaper internet – and a one-size-fits-all regulation that reflects the world of the 1930s is not the answer.”